Lasting friends, valuable experience gained from the ASA Corteva Young Leader Program
August 13, 2024
From communities to commodity boards to church congregations to high political office, there are many leaders today who began their path in the Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program. South Dakota Soybean Association First Vice-President Drew Peterson is an alumnus of the 2019-2020 Young Leader class. Many things contribute to who a person becomes, said Peterson, who adds that for him, the Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program played a big part.
“I hadn’t done a lot of leadership training, I really wasn’t involved on many boards at that time,” recalled Peterson, about applying for the program. “I had been in the past and was really active in college but that was kind of my first step forward as a leader more in the community and state-wide and so it really made a huge difference for me. It got me on the soybean board as well, but it also connected me with many leaders from across the United States.”
Soybean growers—both individuals and couples—are encouraged to apply. Applications for the program, focusing on leadership and communication, farming trends and information, and the development of a strong and connected network, are accepted until September 14th.
“I know it’s a pretty competitive application process, but I would encourage anybody that’s interested in being a leader in the industry to step forward,” said Peterson. “If you feel like you’re young in leadership, regardless of what your age is, this is a good program for you. If you feel like you’re a young leader that wants to step forward, that wants to represent the industry, now is the time to apply.”
Although applicants have to be at least 21, there is no maximum age. The program’s first phase is in early December at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. The Young Leader Program continues late in February at the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colo. As is the case with most who complete the Young Leader Program, Peterson made lasting connections and strong friendships.
“These people are just awesome,” he said. “I mean, if all my peers from the Young Leader group weren’t awesome leaders and awesome people, maybe we wouldn’t be staying connected, but they are people that I want to be connected with, because I learn from them; they’re really positive, thoughtful people, plus they’re great leaders on top of it and great ag folks. Through this, I got to learn and meet people throughout the ASA (American Soybean Association) organization, not just the Young Leaders that I’ve become peers with and friends with as well. And so, you really get to see the best of the best.”
Apply for the Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program by September 14th. There is more conversation with Drew Peterson on an upcoming edition of The Soybean Pod, available on most podcast platforms, sponsored by South Dakota soybean farmers and their checkoff.